Page 32 of An Irish Kiss
“Hmm.”He frowned, studying it.“I’m afraid it does not seem to say.Perhaps it was a grant.”
“From whom?”
“I shall have to find out.”
“But there is no mention of Quinns?”
“None at all.So I’m not quite sure what legal grounds this Australian lawyer seems to think he has.”
“And Mary Connolly.”She still couldn’t believe the sense of betrayal.“There must be something, for I don’t think Mary would suggest something if she couldn’t justify it.”
“Well, this is a pretty little puzzle you have presented me.Nevertheless, I shall investigate and let you know what I find.”
“Is… is it possible for you to speak with him and Mary?To show them these deeds and things?Surely then they will leave it alone.”
“I am happy to speak with them if they wish.But you may find that they wish to employ their own legal representation.”He eyed her.“In fact, you may find if this is not resolved quickly that it may even descend into the courtroom, which is something I would advise against.”
“But how could they win?”
“I know it seems impossible given the records we hold here, but it is always a consideration to be aware of.When land and buildings and perceived fortunes are in play sometimes the knives come out.”
“But there is no land.And the building they’re contesting ownership of is a ruin.”
“I know.”
“And there definitely is no fortune.”
“But they may believe the Griffin family has benefited at their expense, and seek compensation, considering your family does have an impressive hotel portfolio.”
“Are you serious?”
“I’m afraid so.”
She’d have to call a family meeting.Colin needed to know this.Fiona too.What would Mam say?
“I am sorry if this sounds rather dire, but it’s best to be prepared rather than receive a nasty surprise.”
“This whole thing is a nasty surprise.And I still can’t believe Mary is involved.I thought she was my friend.”How would any of this benefit Mary?Why was she so keen to be involved?
“People have their reasons, muddled as they may sometimes be.So I would advise you to tread carefully.Do nothing to antagonise them that might make them want to escalate matters.”
“So you want me to bide my time?”
“Just until I have confirmed the sale and grant.Then perhaps you can tell them I’d be happy to meet them and we can discuss this in a civilised manner.”
Civilised?She gritted her teeth.She’d need God’s grace to help her stay civilised.
“Thanks for joining us,”Rory said.
“So what has got your knickers in such a knot?”Colin asked.
Rory glanced at her mother and sister then back at the computer screen where two boxes showed her brother and an impatient Fiona, who had questioned why an emergency meeting was needed.
“So I went and talked with Patrick Fuller today.”She told them what had been said, and his advice to keep cool about things and not inflame the situation.
“What kind of sap thinks we’d lie down and take this?”Fiona demanded.
An Australian kind, she thought snarkily.Then exhaled.No.She’d dealt with many lovely Aussie tourists over the years.She shouldn’t tar them all with the same brush.
